Children of alcoholic mothers.

The effects of maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy on the offspring were investigated in three different studies. The aim of the studies was to examine the dynamics of infant physical growth and psychological development and to analyze the outcome in relation to the environment during upbringing. Size at birth was related to later mental retardation and neuropsychological symptoms. Psychosocial problems were significantly more frequent in children brought up in their biological homes. Alcohol abuse during the second and third trimester was found to have greater consequences for growth and mental development than during the first trimester.